Recognizing Her Work

Shri Mataji's humanitarian and spiritual work draws admiration not only from countless individuals in more than 95 nations who have personally benefited from her teachings, but also from governments, dignitaries, educational institutions and humanitarian organizations.

Recognizing the scientific and verifiable nature of her teachings, the Petrovskaya Academy of Arts and Sciences in St. Petersburg bestowed an Honorary Membership upon Shri Mataji, telling her, “You are even higher than science.”

Others, such as Claes Nobel, thanked her for giving hope to humanity. She accepted all awards with characteristic humility, praising the efforts of others and insisting on collective, rather than individual, achievement.

Despite relentless travelling, Shri Mataji never referred to her demanding schedule as tiresome, equating it rather with the work of a loving mother looking after her children’s wellbeing.

A mother's position is different, this patience and this love and this forgiveness is innately built in a mother … her attitude is very different. Not any achievement, not any big name or a sort of an award or anything … she does it because she is a mother.

A Selection of Awards and Recognitions

Shri Mataji has been recognized worldwide by several prestigious institutions for her selfless work and for the remarkable results of her spiritual teachings through Sahaja Yoga, a few of which are listed below.

Italy, 1986
Declared ‘Personality of the Year’ by the Italian Government.

Moscow, Russia, 1989
Following Shri Mataji’s meeting with the USSR Minister of Health, Sahaja Yoga was granted full government sponsorship, including funding for scientific research.

New York, 1990-1994
Invited by the United Nations for four consecutive years to speak about the ways and means to achieve world peace.

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1993
Appointed as Honorary Member of the Petrovskaya Academy of Art and Science. In the history of the Academy, only twelve people have been granted this honour, Einstein being one of them. Shri Mataji inaugurated the first International Conference on Medicine and Self-Knowledge, which became an annual event at the Academy thereafter.

Brazil, 1994
The mayor of Brazilia welcomed Shri Mataji at the airport, presented her with the key to the city and sponsored all of her programs.

British Columbia, Canada, 1994
Letter of welcome was proffered by the Premier of the Province of British Columbia, Mr. Mike Harcourt, on behalf of the people of Canada.

Romania 1995
Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Cognitive Science by Prof D. Drimer, head of the Ecological University Bucharest.

China, 1995
Official guest of the Chinese Government to speak at the United Nations International Women’s Conference.

Pune, India, 1996
On the occasion of the 700th Anniversary of Saint Gyaneshwara, Shri Mataji addressed the 'World Philosophers Meet '96 - A Parliament of Science, Religion and Philosophy,' where she was felicitated for her spiritual movement, Sahaja Yoga.

London, 1997 Mr. Claes Nobel, grandnephew of Alfred Nobel, chairman of United Earth and The National Society of High School Scholars, honoured the life and work of Shri Mataji in a public speech at the Royal Albert Hall.

USA, 105th Congress, 1997 and 106th Congress, 2000
Honorarium read into Congressional Record by Congressman Eliot Engle commending Shri Mataji for her dedicated and tireless work for humanity.

Cabella Ligure, Italy, 2006
Shri Mataji was awarded honorary Italian citizenship, which was followed by the unveiling of the foundation stone for the 'Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi World Foundation of Sahaja Yoga.' This Foundation has its home in Cabella Ligure.